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    Overview

    Explores the origins, definitions, and treatments of trauma, and its impact on the body, on relationships, and on spirituality. Studies congregational and community care relating to trauma

    This course familiarises students with origins, definitions, and treatment of trauma from multiple disciplines. Trauma’s impact on the body, soul, relationships, and spirituality will be highlighted, along with congregational and community care. The course explores individual mental health concerns in the contexts of family of origin, intergenerational trauma born by repeated oppression and injustice, and community-wide traumas. Students will learn key principles of trauma-informed pastoral care in multi-ethnic contexts and discuss and develop their own ethical standards for trauma care. 

    About this paper

    Paper title Special Topic: Trauma-Informed Ministry
    Subject Pastoral Studies
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period 1st Non standard period (27 January 2025 - 18 June 2025) (Distance learning)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,040.70
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    One 200-level PAST paper
    Restriction
    MINS 405
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Theology
    Eligibility

    Any student can study Theology, whether they are of the Christian faith, another faith or of no religious faith at all. Theology is an examination of the scriptures, history, content and relevance of the Christian faith, but it presupposes or requires no Christian commitment from students. All it requires is an inquiring mind and an interest in those skills that can be gained through the study of any subject in the Humanities.

    Contact

    paul.trebilco@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Dr Karen McClintock

    Paper Structure

    Module 1: What is Trauma?

    Module 2: Offering Trauma-Informed Care – Principles and Prejudices

    Module 3: Building Confidence and Competence

    Module 4 Theological questions as “quests” 

    Module 5 Healing Modalities 

    Teaching Arrangements

    This Distance Learning paper is taught through a five-day residential block course in Dunedin. Students are required to attend this block course. The block course will start at 1pm on Monday 27 January and conclude at 1pm on Friday 31 January 2025. Classes will be held on the University of Otago Campus, Dunedin.

    Textbooks

    McClintock, Karen A. Trauma-Informed Pastoral Care: How to Respond When Things Fall Apart. Augsburg Fortress Publishers, 2022.

    Course outline

    View the latest course outline here.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Scholarship, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Information literacy, Research.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students taking this paper at the 300 level will have:

    • Learned ethical principles and standards of practice within trauma-informed care 
    • Learned the signs and symptoms of trauma and secondary trauma
    • Recognised the specific needs of diverse constituents with multiple-traumatic losses
    • Examined both individual and systemic oppression as a cause of stress and trauma
    • Reviewed commonly made mistakes in trauma care and learned to avoid them
    • Become familiar with trauma indicators in congregational systems
    • Learned how to make space for spiritual questions and ways to support “quests”
    Assessment details

    A 2,000 word essay, A 2-4 page assignment and a 2,500 word essay.

    Timetable

    1st Non standard period (27 January 2025 - 18 June 2025)

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught through Distance Learning
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Block Teaching

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 13:00-15:50 5
    Tuesday 09:00-11:50 5
    Tuesday 13:00-15:50 5
    Wednesday 09:00-11:50 5
    Wednesday 13:00-15:50 5
    Thursday 09:00-11:50 5
    Thursday 13:00-15:50 5
    Friday 09:00-11:50 5
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